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Top Organizations Giving Back To The Miami Arts

August 11, 2013 11:00 AM

(credit: Thinkstock)

Once upon a time in Miami, the only artistic entertainment available was the occasional play, trip to an art museum or visit to the ballet. In more recent years, the city has become a cultural mecca, bringing a steady stream of arts, culture and entertainment that have helped make it a vibrant artistic work in progress. None of it would be possible without the contributions of these key organizations.

Established in 1950 and headquartered in Miami, the foundation provides works in journalism and the arts across twenty-six cities nationwide. The Knight family owns newspapers throughout the U.S. that educate readers with guided content. They aim to “promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts.” Their foundation has touched just about every aspect of the arts in Miami. Since 1950, the Knight family has invested over $454 million in journalism and media grants, and $841 million in community programs. Just within the last five years, $66 million has gone toward the arts.

The Arison Family continues to make a prodigious impact on the local and national arts community through their YoungArts program. The original foundation was created by the late Carnival Cruise Lines’ founder Ted Arison and his wife Lin, who passionately believed that young artistic talents needed to be nurtured and lifted up with adequate financial support. This foundation, along with its affiliates, has been instrumental in funding over $35 million worth of grants. YoungArts specifically strives to expand its national presence through awareness and partnerships that complement their vision. They have made master classes available for students who wish to pursue elevated education in the arts, and have also developed thorough media outlets to maintain relationships between students, teachers, donors, parents, sponsors and partners.

With the founding spearheaded by former Miami Herald publisher David Lawrence, Jr., this trust serves as the community focal point in providing for the developmental needs of all children in Miami-Dade County. Community engagement raises funds which provide a variety of
initiatives to ensure that children are supported physically and emotionally by their families and communities. Due to the falling economy, arts funding has declined substantially in recent years. As a result, every available dollar supporting the arts is crucial. The Children’s Trust has funded over $1 million toward the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs in order to create 68 community arts programs for kids.

Established in 1987, the New World Symphony is dedicated to the artistic, professional and personal development of top instrumentalists. It relies heavily on the support of donors and foundations in order to provide top musical professionals with access to performance and instructional activities. With funds raised from corporate grants and other miscellaneous gifts, the New World Symphony in turn provides the curriculum serving as the springboard for over 750 musicians playing in symphonies and orchestras worldwide.

The Olympia Theatre at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts was originally built in 1926 as a silent movie house. Today, due to the continued efforts of the non-profit that raises funds for and maintains its historical legacy, it is the downtown heartbeat for all disciplines of the Miami arts. Fully restored, the volunteer board raises funds to maintain the facility and support its staff. Most importantly, their efforts contribute to a variety of civic events such as the Miami International Film Festival and numerous live performances.

Glenn Osrin is a journalist and seasoned consumer products sales professional living in Miami, Florida. A new vegan, his most recent assignment is writing about the benefits of a plant-based diet and lifestyle while learning about the Miami vegan community. His work can be found at Examiner.com.